The Gemorah in Mesechta Kiddushin cites the opinion of the Chachomim. An eved ivri, who insists on remaining with his master even after concluding his servitude of six years, must have his ear drilled. However, an eved ivri kohein does not get drilled. The reason given is because the piercing of the ear will render him a ba’al mum and will invalidate him to return to his original status.
This requires some serious thought. Who is this kohen that is being excluded from the piercing of the ear?
The Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh describes this kohen as having descended in his level of kedushah, as the possuk depicts him as “Umoch”- “destitute”, from kedushah.
The Gemorah in the same Mesechta discusses the severity of transgressing the kedushah of Shmitah. One who engages commercially with fruit of the seventh year is punished that he eventually will be forced to liquidate his possessions. If he stubbornly continues this misbehavior, he will be forced to divest himself of his real estate. Eventually he may lose his home. If he still continues on this ill-conceived path, he will eventually be forced into selling himself as an eved to survive his dire poverty.
This kohein is obviously an unsavory character whose behavior invited upon himself such difficult circumstances.
After six years of enslavement and bondage, he is finally afforded the moment to reenter society as a free person. Instead, he shamelessly declares that he prefers to remain together with his mistress and slave children. He obviously has no regard for his kedushas kehuna since his sole desire is to cling to his Cena’ani wife and children.
One could ask: why should the Torah be concerned for the kedushah of a person who could not care less about his own kehunah? Why would the Torah be careful not to render him a ba’al mum?
It is clearly evident that even when a person descends in his observance of mitzvos, and he does not seek to mend his ways, the Eibershter does not give up on him. The Torah leaves the path open to fully return and reengage just as before the ruchnius decline.
The Jewish spark is never extinguished, even when a flicker of light cannot be distinguished.
During the auspicious time of sefira it is important to internalize this tremendous chesed and opportunity. No matter how distant and removed one may be, the path is open to return and the Eibershter awaits and facilitates our return.
The knowledge of this fact should serve as motivation to take the giant step to return and ascend to once again be worthy of kabolas haTorah.